A few years ago, S Town (Dome foyer)
Selection Round
500. Yamamoto Maika
Last-- the last place. But her name was there. Maika's eyes went wide. It's really there?!! She ought to get a closer look. However just as she was about to, she found herself being harshly pushed to the ground. Her glasses slipped off her face and landed with a large thud.
Not many people know, but she never needed glasses and yet perhaps because it had been a while since she last didn't use them. Maika found herself covering her eyes. A group of girls started laughing, and through a small hole in her fingers. She could clearly make them out. A group of unfamiliar faces, except two. The girl whom she had become good friends with as of late and the ring leader of her bullying. Maika was about to tell the girl to run when she saw the expression on her friends face. Oh. Oh. Oh. Maika immediately understood the situation, so it was like that all along.
"Stupid girl, actually tried to audition despite what we told you."
"Right, right. Who do you think you are?"
"Pfft, does it matter? She got last place."
That's right, in the end. She barely made the cut-out line.
"10,068 Saeki Tomu-"
Eh
" Since you seem to want to emphasise rank so much, then let's broadcast yours out loud.."
Maika turned to the source of the voice and spotted a girl with mid-length, black curly hair; wearing a familiar uniform.
"Woaaahhh, Terashima Lila."
"Seriously?"
"She entered this year, then that means…"
Everyone's attention turned to the gold plate for the top spot; that was only just being revealed. There was the name of the girl who just saved her.
1: Terashima Lila
This girl is, Terashima Lila?
"What's wrong with us voicing our thoughts? This girl has no talent, how come she got a higher rank than us."
"Right, it's not fair."
"Backstage favouritism because of her family background."
"The senpai's speak the truth. Even though Maika didn't put in much effort.. Isn't it a bit suspicious?" Yuna asked.
Not much effort? But, she...the two of them...
"There is no need to be jealous of your friend, just because she made it and not you. You were close. You should try again next time, there are plenty o chances since we're still young. Unlike the girls around you, your ranking is ---"
"Stop--!" Yuna exclaimed.
It was then Maika saw it, right under her name; right under the cut of line.
501: Sasaki Yuna
"Ah.."
Did they choose her, over Yuna? So that's why it's jealousy. Jealousy...
"I'm sor-"
"Don't you dare apologize to me! You always had everything, a good family, social status and people who cared. Why did you have to take away my only chance?!!"
.....
"Have some water. Oh, some cookies too! You need something to eat."
"..."
Terashima Lila had brought her to one of the spare dressing rooms in the building. Normally they'd never let contestants use places like this; however, upon seeing Terashima Lila. The ones in charge didn't hesitate. Someone with a good family, social status and people who care? Yuna's words echoed in her mind, and she glanced back at the girl. That applies more to this girl than her. Yuna has always assumed that the Yamamoto family has treated her well. Originally, it may have been like that. But as time passed, so much has changed.
"Terashima-San."
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
The girl shook her head, "There is no need to apologize to me, those words are meant for your friend. But it's good that she stopped you, despite how harsh her words were after."
"Good?"
"Yes, if you apologized. Then you would have made it a lot worst. It would be disrespectful to your opponent."
"That's, I don't intend…"
Lila smiled softly, "I know, your a very kind person and your songs are so beautiful and gentle. I'm glad to meet a rival with such beautiful feelings."
Rival? Her?!!
Beautiful? But her songs have always caused people to suffer. This is the first time someone has said the opposite to her.
-----
To think that the very same girl who helped her then is displaying such weakness. No, it's not like that. She was probably only able to help that time too; because she equally suffers the same weakness and pain. Even if the context is different. Maika's gaze softened, she always swore to herself. The next time they met, she would repay the girl back. Before Maika could speak up, the girl who was slumped into a ball shape abruptly sat up.
"I got it!!"
"Eh?"
"Maika-chan, Maika-chan."
"Y--yes?" Maika said, somewhat startled by the girl's sudden enthusiasm.
"I'm going to do my best!"
"Do your best?"
Maika repeated the girls words.
Lila nodded.
"I'll do my best as Kiku Ari, so when I return back to being the number one idol Terashima Lila. The stages I put on will be brighter and more beautiful than ever before."
Lila exclaimed, a determined look on her face.
"Do your best how?"
"Uh, let's see accept more job offers."
"Your schedule is already packed enough, with that slave driver as your manager.."
"Um, then I'll do more promotions.."
"Your slave driver manager is really good at his work.."
"Then, I'll practice more.."
She raised her eyebrows at this comment, "With your schedule?"
Maika questioned.
"Wahhhh, I can't think of anything." Lila exclaimed. It surprised Maika how easily the girl burst into tears. She did hear some rumors that the girl isn't as strong as she appeared. But this is the first time, she is seeing it in person.
___________________________________________________
12:00 PM
(Inside the stadium, cooridoors)
When he finally managed to slip away, he looked for her. She wasn't in the spot earlier instead she seemed to be wandering the corridors. Seeing her staring at the nameplates on the door one by one. He paused, is she looking for him? Before Haruka could call out to her though, he found some guy's surrounding her. Haruka frowned.
___________________________________________________
That's strange, they said the judge's rooms were on these two floors. But, Lila's cheeks reddened. Is it so wise for her to keep seeking Haruka out just because she's lonely? It's not fair on him. She still has her mission, yes, but perhaps it's time she sets some boundaries. Even though she moved into his place. It hasn't erased the scar and damage he did to her... Whenever he touches her, she trembles in fear every time.
.
.
The last thing she expected was to find herself getting harassed. Lila found herself getting impatient, but before she could say anything. Someone harshly yanks one of the guys away from her, causing them to land on the ground with a thud.
"Who the hell---"
"Karashima.." The one with the long hair said, his face was drained of all colour. Indeed it really was Haruka.
"Woaaah...."
He pulled her into his arms, and said, "This girl is mine, back off."
'Mine…'
Thump. Is he an idiot? She doesn't belong to him.
______________________________________________
The girl stired in his arms, "Um, was that okay?"
Lila asked.
"Hmm? It's fine."
"Haruka...I found you."
she mumbled.
So she was looking for him, "I told you I'd come to get you..."
Haruka said, sighing deeply.
"I didn't think it was right, um in front of the other contestants..."
Well, that's true.
He immediately tugged on her clothes.
Soft laughter escaped her lips, "Um...were still in the hallway."
Oh, right.
He unlocked the door and no sooner had he done so, he backed the girl against the wall.
"H-Haruka?"
Lila stammered.
….
......
His waiting room.
"Ha--Haruka, I still have practice after this..."
"Just a little.." He paused, seeing the girls trembling figure and scooped her up in his arms. Lila buried her face in his chest, clearly not wanting to look him in the eye.
"You're lighter than before. Did you lose weight?" Haruka asked, concerned.
"L-lately, I haven't been able to eat."
Is that because of him? Because he pushes her too hard? Haruka placed her down on the bed in his waiting room and took out his phone. Lila is watching him curiosity filled her eyes, "Wait, it ought to be here soon."
Lila's cheeks reddened as she shook her head, "You don't have to get me food."
"It's fine, let me take responsibility."
Besides she's competing later, it would be bad if she ended up fainting. "Haruka, I want a hug."
"..."
He walked over and pulled the girl into his arms.
When Haruka found her staring at him.
"What is it?"
Haruka questioned.
"I was just thinking, I should yell at you."
Haruka nodded, "Yeah, but whenever you do. You end up bursting into tears."
The past few days after Yumeko and her concert. Lila was finally able to tell him exactly what she was thinking regarding him touching her, which always without fail, ended up with her crying and him kissing her.
She hits him, "I really am angry. Why, why couldn't you have waited?"
"As I said to you before. I have my reasons."
"You're so stupid."
He knows that already.
Would this be a bad time to kiss her? As he was thinking this, he heard the sound of the door. Haruka quickly got up and made his way down. Damn, he really doesn't want to let go of her anymore.